TRICARE Life Events Index | Qualifying Life Events Guide | TRICARE.com

In TRICARE terms, a "Life Event" is officially known as a Qualifying Life Event (QLE). When one happens, it opens a 90-day window for you to change your health plan outside of the annual Open Season.

*Note: TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense or the official TRICARE program. For official policy and enrollment, visit [TRICARE.mil](https://www.tricare.mil).*

## What you'll find here This index organizes the major life milestones that impact your TRICARE eligibility. It is categorized by family changes, career transitions, and administrative shifts to help you navigate your 90-day QLE window.

Browse by section

### Family Life Events - [Adding a Newborn or Adopting a Child](/life-events/adding-newborn-or-adopted-child) - [Getting Married](/life-events/getting-married) - [Divorce or Annulment](/life-events/divorce-and-tricare) - [Death of a Family Member](/life-events/death-of-family-member) - [Children Growing Up: Turning Age 21/23](/life-events/children-aging-out) - [TRICARE Young Adult Eligibility](/plans/tricare-young-adult) - [Caring for an Elderly Parent](/life-events/secondary-dependency)

### Career and Military Status - [Activating (Reserve or Guard)](/life-events/activating-reserve-guard) - [Deactivating or Separating from Service](/life-events/separating-from-service) - [Retiring from Active Duty](/life-events/retiring-from-active-duty) - [Transition Assistance Management Program (TAMP)](/plans/tamp-benefits) - [Losing Other Health Insurance (OHI)](/life-events/losing-other-health-insurance) - [Gaining Other Health Insurance](/life-events/gaining-employer-coverage)

### Relocation and Location Changes - [Moving to a New Home or PCSing](/life-events/moving-pcs) - [Moving Overseas](/life-events/moving-overseas) - [Changing Regions: Moving East to West](/life-events/changing-contractor-regions) - [Finding a New Primary Care Manager (PCM)](/faq/changing-pcm) - [TRICARE West: TriWest Healthcare Alliance Guide](/contractors/triwest) - [TRICARE East: Humana Military Guide](/contractors/humana-military)

### Senior and Long-Term Changes - [Turning Age 65 and Medicare](/life-events/turning-65-medicare) - [Signing Up for TRICARE For Life (TFL)](/plans/tricare-for-life) - [Social Security Disability Milestones](/life-events/social-security-disability-eligibility) - [Entering a Nursing Home or Assisted Living](/life-events/nursing-home-care)

### FAQ & Glossary - [What is a Qualifying Life Event (QLE)?](/glossary/qualifying-life-event) - [How do I update DEERS?](/faq/how-to-update-deers) - [When is TRICARE Open Season?](/faq/open-season-dates) - [Retroactive Enrollment Explained](/glossary/retroactive-enrollment) - [Split Enrollment for Families](/faq/split-enrollment-different-locations) - [90-Day Rule for Plan Changes](/faq/90-day-qle-window)

## Tips for finding what you need - **Act Fast:** Most Life Events give you exactly 90 days from the date of the event to make plan changes. If you miss this window, you must wait until Open Season. - **DEERS First:** You cannot update your TRICARE plan until you update the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). This is always step one. - **Search for your event:** If you don't see your specific situation, use the search bar at the top of the page to look for keywords like "Marriage" or "PCS." - **Check the Glossary:** Use our glossary links if you are confused by terms like "Sponsor," "Dependent," or "T-5 Contract."